It’s funny where the gaps are for someone who was brought up on many a musical – I was obsessed with the film version of
The Pirates of Penzance and so was nearly word-perfect on it from a small age, yet I never once saw or listened to
South Pacific. Indeed, the first and only time I've seen it was
from the gods at the Barbican back in 2011, an experience that did not leave me rushing to explore the show further. So it was with a little interest that I put on this 2001 TV film version, directed by Richard Pearce and executively produced by, among others, Glenn Close, who also took on the role of Nellie Forbush.
And as I have so little connection to the musical, it's been hugely fascinating to read just how up in arms some people got about the choices made in this version of South Pacific, showing how easy it is to swept up in expectation and emotion when talking about shows that you love and particularly, the way that they 'should' be done. So some were up in arms about Close being too old to play Nellie, others concerned about Rade Šerbedžija not being an operatic singer for Emile, songs being cut and rearranged sent many into apoplectic fits, and the rejigging of some of the supporting characters was the final straw for yet more.